Koditten random project/boat build thread.

Perhaps this is one of those cases where a separate thread for this truck build would be acceptable.

Also, you're going to have to build a boat and trailer specifically for this truck.. just saying..

 

Next project: this boat trailer gets a roller bunk in the middle like the one on the back.

 

Can’t figure out how to 2x like a post on TW, but thanks Kirk! Great to meet you this weekend.

 

Ran into a snag.

For some reason, Hyde changed the orientation of the rear cross member. The front cross member is 2"x 3" tube in the vertical position. The rear is horizontal.

I know why the did it. But it made have to change my design for the front roller. Not a big deal, but I did lose a bit of time reconfiguring the roller tube supports.

 

Cat walk supports tacked in. I'm glad it's nice out. Welding in galvanized iron requires lots of ventilation.

 

Hit the iron welds with some galvanized spray paint. It's not a perfect match, but at least it won't rust.

 

Catwalk mesh welded down, front rollers installed.

If you look at the left side of the pic, you will see how I had to raise the roller axle position above the frame.

The roller height is the exact same height of the former rigid bunk.

I think it turned out quite nice.

 

I dunno.., looks like a perfect match to me! Looking great Kirk!

 

Kirk, looking awesome! So much for wanting 2-4 weeks to get on it... Nearly done!

1) Sorry, should have pointed out the cross member difference.

2) Would you mind keeping an eye out for sharp edges/"pokey bits" in the rear corners (red circles) of the catwalk grate? Should have thought of this... I set an anchor with a pair of climbing slings off the rear member whenever I need to belay the boat in or do a Taco-assisted exit (The best boat launch is no boat launch). Those would normally be off the center (yellow), but now they'll have to be on either side of the catwalk, angled inward to a point. Climb-spec slings are strong as hell, but they really hate abrasion under load.

3) I found some remnant mid-diameter climbing rope Monday. Only enough for one boat, but I'll bring you a premium double dry anchor rope for the boat you're keeping to go with those anchors. I'm assuming you're using a basic side or floor anchor system w cleat. Life's too short to pull on crappy wet/frozen rope.

Thanks again Kirk! Can't believe how well that's coming together.

 

I'll weld a 12" long piece of flat iron over the end. That will reduce the snag factor to close to zero.

I actually like a side pull anchor system the best. But, yes, if you got extra anchor line laying around taking up space, it will love a new home up this way!

For the boat I'm keeping, I may treat myself to a River Larry system off the back. Of course it would t actually be a RL, but a clone since I have the files loaded In to my plasma table computer to make my own.

 

Thanks Kirk!

I'm a side-pull fan myself.

Never understood floor anchors... always in your way, rope is always wet, and an uncontrolled foot release is the opposite of quiet. Guess you can pull 'em faster, but a well configured side anchor wins 90% of the time. Put a doubler/pulley off the arm (Don't need a fancy one like I've got. $10 off Amazon is super good enough.) Add some sort of mesh/ventilated rope bag off the anchor-side gunnel, and maybe a bougie sailing ratchet pulley in the front for a better angle+longer pull when it matters+easier single-handed hold and you're beyond good to go. Seriously, I can (semi-awkwardly) hold a 30# anchor in my right hand while rowing, and have kept the rope in my teeth a few times when necessary.

My expensive rear swivel+pulley has the bearings cooked after 8 years (still pulls fine). The Ronstan up front is pushing about 10 and still going strong. I was skeptical of acetal bearing races, but nothing to rust, limited grit = no issues.

RL's are great, but OTOH you're rowing the bonus-weight of a wheelchair motor + car battery down the river. Love them on sleds when you need to run 70+LBs to stick in current. Never understood them when the winch system weighs more than the anchor you're pulling. Peek under the boat cover and check my setup out. It's silent/reasonably fast/super dry/ & pulls, holds & slips like a dream. You can set up a system that's "85% as good" for maybe $35-ish? Took me probably 20-25 years to get that figured out and dialed in, but now battle tested & highly recommended.

-B

 

I'll give it a look-see. I'm caught up, so a bit of research will be fun.